# Why Every Large Breed Dog Deserves a High\-Quality Orthopedic Bed - Canonical: https://33rdsquare.com/why-every-large-breed-dog-deserves-a-high-quality-orthopedic-bed/ - Published: 2024-02-27 - Author: Savanna Read - Categories: [Dog](https://33rdsquare.com/category/dog/) --- As a lifelong dog lover and owner of several large breeds, I know firsthand how important it is to support our gentle giants‘ joint health. Big dogs are notorious for being prone to orthopedic issues like hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and arthritis, especially as they age. In fact, studies show that up to 20% of large breed dogs will develop hip dysplasia in their lifetime. While responsible breeding, nutrition, exercise, and veterinary care all play crucial roles in preventing and managing these joint problems, there‘s one simple way we can help at home: providing a supportive, high-quality orthopedic dog bed. Think about how much time your dog spends sleeping – up to 14 hours per day for adult dogs and even more for seniors. Now imagine how much strain is put on their joints when they‘re lying on a thin, lumpy, or sagging bed. Over time, this can lead to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. That‘s where orthopedic beds come in. These specially designed beds feature extra thick, dense foam that cushions your dog‘s pressure points, aligns their spine, and distributes their weight evenly. This alleviates stress on the joints and can even help prevent orthopedic issues from developing in the first place. As veterinarian Dr. Rachel Barrack explains, "Orthopedic beds are a great way to provide your large breed dog with the support they need to maintain healthy joints. They can help reduce pain and inflammation associated with arthritis and other age-related orthopedic conditions." ## What to Look for in an Orthopedic Bed for Your Large Breed Dog Not all orthopedic beds are created equal. When shopping for one for your big dog, keep these key features in mind: **High-Quality Foam:** Cheaply made beds often use low-density foam that flattens quickly, defeating the whole purpose of an orthopedic bed. Look for beds with at least 4 inches of high-density foam or memory foam. Some of the best orthopedic beds use 7 inches or more of premium therapeutic foam. **Adequate Size:** Your dog should be able to lie on the bed completely stretched out without hanging off the sides. Measure your pup from nose to tail and add 8-12 inches to determine the minimum length. Most brands offer large, extra-large, and jumbo sizes for big breeds. **Supportive Bolsters:** Raised bolsters or pillows along the sides of the bed provide additional support for the neck, head, and back. They‘re especially beneficial for dogs with arthritis or neck pain. Some dogs also feel more secure sleeping "nestled in" to bolsters. **Easy to Clean Cover:** Between shed fur, drool, dirt, and the occasional accident, orthopedic beds can get grimy quickly. Choose one with a removable, machine-washable cover for easy cleaning. Ideally, the cover should have a sturdy zipper and be dryer-safe as well. **Cooling Gel Foam (For Hot Dogs):** If your dog tends to overheat easily, look for an orthopedic bed with a layer of gel-infused memory foam. The cooling gel helps regulate body temperature to keep your pup comfortable. **Waterproof Lining:** For senior dogs prone to incontinence or puppies still working on house training, a waterproof inner lining is a must-have to protect the foam from damage. **Non-Skid Bottom:** This is especially important if you have hardwood or tile floors. A non-slip rubber backing will keep the bed from sliding around when your dog climbs on or off. ## Our Top Orthopedic Bed Picks for Large Dogs With so many options on the market, choosing the perfect orthopedic bed for your large breed can feel overwhelming. We‘ve done the research and hands-on testing to find the very best beds to support your big dog. Here are our top recommendations: | Bed Name | Foam Type | Thickness | Sizes Available | Special Features | Price | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | FurHaven Orthopedic Sofa Bed | Orthopedic foam | 4 inches | Up to Jumbo Plus (53" x 42") | Removable cover, bolsters | $$ | | Big Barker Pillow Top Bed | Therapeutic foam | 7 inches | Up to Giant (60" x 48") | 10-year warranty, machine washable cover | $$$ | | The Dog‘s Bed Orthopedic Gel Foam Bed | Gel memory foam + support foam | 4 inches | Up to Large (46" x 28") | Cooling gel layer, waterproof lining | $$ | | BarksBar Orthopedic Bed | Orthopedic foam | 4 inches | Up to Extra Large (52" x 36") | Chew-resistant cover, non-slip bottom | $$ | | Bedsure Orthopedic Foam Sofa Bed | Orthopedic foam | 3 inches | Up to Extra Large (53" x 34") | Wrap-around bolsters, reversible cover | $ | ### 1. Best Overall: FurHaven Orthopedic Sofa Bed After extensive testing, the FurHaven Orthopedic Sofa Bed earned our pick for the best overall orthopedic bed for large breed dogs. It features a 4-inch thick base of dense, medical-grade orthopedic foam to provide maximum support and pressure relief. The sleeping surface is lined with a plush faux fur fabric that feels cozy and luxurious. We love that the FurHaven bed includes three supportive bolsters to cradle your dog‘s neck, back, and hips. Senior dogs or those with joint pain especially benefit from being able to rest their heads on these cushioned pillows. The bolsters are generously filled with recycled materials for eco-friendly comfort. Cleaning the FurHaven is a breeze thanks to the removable, machine-washable cover. Simply unzip, toss in the wash, and tumble dry on low heat. The largest size (Jumbo Plus) measures 53" x 42" – plenty spacious for giant breeds like Great Danes and Mastiffs. While it‘s not the cheapest orthopedic bed out there, the FurHaven offers excellent quality, comfort, and support for the price. Plus, it comes in four attractive colors to suit any home decor. It‘s easy to see why this bed is a favorite among big dog owners. ### 2. Best Budget-Friendly: Bedsure Orthopedic Foam Sofa Bed If you‘re looking for an orthopedic bed that won‘t break the bank, check out the Bedsure Orthopedic Foam Sofa Bed. Despite its affordable price, it doesn‘t skimp on comfort or support for your large breed dog. The Bedsure features a 3-inch layer of high-density orthopedic foam to cushion pressure points and align the spine. While not as thick as our top pick, it‘s still sufficient for most large dogs. The soft microfiber cover feels plush and can be removed and machine washed as needed. We appreciate the wrap-around bolster design of the Bedsure bed. It allows your dog to nestle in from any angle and rest their head comfortably. For dogs that prefer a cooler sleep surface, the cover is reversible to a faux linen fabric. Customers rave about the Bedsure bed‘s durability and how well it holds up to big dogs. The extra-large size measures 53" x 34" x 8" – ideal for breeds like German Shepherds, Rottweilers, and Doberman Pinschers. The cover has a sturdy zipper that stands up to repeated washing. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of pricier orthopedic beds, the Bedsure is a solid, affordable choice to support your big dog‘s joint health and comfort. It even comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. ### 3. Best for Extra Large & Giant Breeds: Big Barker Pillow Top Orthopedic Bed When you have an extra large or giant breed dog, finding a bed that‘s spacious and supportive enough can be a challenge. That‘s where the Big Barker Pillow Top Orthopedic Bed comes in. This premium bed is specifically engineered to meet the unique needs of the biggest dogs. The Big Barker features a whopping 7 inches of American-made therapeutic foam, providing unparalleled support and pressure relief. It‘s calibrated to evenly distribute the weight of dogs up to 300 pounds without sagging or flattening over time. In fact, the manufacturer offers a 10-year warranty that the foam will retain 90% of its original shape. We love the Big Barker‘s luxurious microfiber cover. It feels silky soft and gentle on sensitive skin while also being machine washable and dryer safe. Available in three neutral colors, it‘s sure to complement your home decor. At 60" x 48", the Giant size Big Barker is longer and wider than a queen size mattress. It‘s perfect for oversized breeds like Newfoundlands, Irish Wolfhounds, and Saint Bernards. Even the largest dogs can fully stretch out with room to spare. Admittedly, the Big Barker is one of the most expensive orthopedic dog beds on the market. However, it‘s a worthwhile investment in your giant breed‘s long-term joint health and comfort. Cheap beds will need to be replaced much sooner, so you may actually save money in the long run by choosing a Big Barker. Your gentle giant deserves the very best. ## Real Dogs, Real Results Don‘t just take our word for it – hear from real dog owners who have seen the impressive benefits of orthopedic beds firsthand: "Our 12-year-old German Shepherd Maxmillian has severe hip dysplasia and arthritis. His mobility and quality of life improved almost immediately after we got him the Big Barker bed. It‘s worth every penny to see him resting comfortably again." – Joseph L. "We got the FurHaven Orthopedic Sofa Bed for our 8-year-old Rottweiler who was starting to limp after lying on the hardwood floor. Within a week of using the bed, her limp disappeared and she was back to her old playful self. She loves napping on the plush bolsters." – Anika K. "I was hesitant to spend so much on a dog bed, but I‘m so glad I splurged on The Dog‘s Bed orthopedic bed for my senior Labrador Ranger. The difference in his energy level and willingness to go for walks has been amazing. The cooling gel layer is perfect for keeping him comfortable." – Michael T. ## Frequently Asked Questions **Q: How do I know if my dog needs an orthopedic bed?** A: All dogs can benefit from the support of a high-quality orthopedic bed, especially large and giant breeds who are prone to joint issues. However, orthopedic beds are particularly critical for: - Senior dogs - Dogs with arthritis, hip dysplasia, or other joint conditions - Dogs recovering from orthopedic surgery - Highly active dogs to prevent joint strain - Overweight dogs to relieve excess pressure on joints **Q: Can I use an orthopedic dog bed in a crate?** A: Yes, as long as you choose the correct size bed for your dog‘s crate. Measure the interior length and width of the crate and compare to the bed dimensions. When in doubt, size up so your dog isn‘t cramped. Keep in mind that bulky bolsters may make a bed too snug for a crate. **Q: How long will an orthopedic dog bed last?** A: With proper care, a high-quality orthopedic bed should last several years. Durability depends on factors like the foam density, cover materials, and your dog‘s habits (e.g. chewing, scratching). In general, orthopedic beds made with high-density foam over 4 inches thick are the most durable. **Q: My dog is hesitant to use their new orthopedic bed. What should I do?** A: Some dogs may need time to adjust to a new bed, especially if they‘re used to sleeping on the floor or furniture. To encourage your dog to use their orthopedic bed: - Place the bed in a quiet, comfortable location - Put a blanket or shirt with your scent on the bed - Offer treats and praise when your dog lies on the bed - Place your dog‘s favorite toys on the bed - Be patient – it may take a few days for your dog to fully adopt the bed ## The Bottom Line Investing in a high-quality orthopedic bed is one of the best things you can do to support your large breed dog‘s joint health and overall comfort. By providing a bed that cushions pressure points, aligns the spine, and relieves stress on the joints, you can help prevent orthopedic problems and improve your dog‘s quality of life. Remember to choose an orthopedic bed made with at least 4 inches of dense foam, a removable and easy to clean cover, and ample space for your big dog to stretch out. While they may cost more upfront than a basic dog bed, orthopedic beds offer long-lasting durability and are an important investment in your dog‘s health. As veterinarian Dr. Joanna Woodnutt says, "An orthopedic bed should be seen as preventative medicine for large breed dogs. Even if your dog is not yet showing signs of joint pain, providing proper support for their spine and joints can help slow the progression of osteoarthritis and keep them comfortable well into their golden years." With the right orthopedic bed, you can give your devoted companion the restful, restorative sleep they need to wake up feeling their best. And what could be more rewarding than seeing your big dog enjoy a pain-free, active life by your side for years to come? --- Source: [Why Every Large Breed Dog Deserves a High\-Quality Orthopedic Bed](https://33rdsquare.com/why-every-large-breed-dog-deserves-a-high-quality-orthopedic-bed/)